OUR READERS WRITE...

November 17, 2013

Have you ever realized how ugly our society is? Have you ever wished you could live a peaceful, drama-free life? I think that it goes for all of us when I respond to this question with a "yes."

Recently, I've realized the severity of all these things. As a result, I've been doing my best to become a better person, a better friend.

An unknown person once said, "The happiest people do not have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything."

I've heard of many, many people complaining about minor life details, whether it be that you've encountered a deer on your way to work in the morning, or that you aren't satisfied with something. What you don't think about, though, is that there are people fighting for their lives. There are people who are doing all they can to hang on to their last breath.

I see kids walk through the door of school every single day. They can't get more than three steps into the building, which is supposed to be a friendly, learning environment, without getting some stupid, awful label. Whether it's caused by ethnicity, religion, sexual preferences, popularity, intelligence, or any other possible cause, it damages their self-esteem. I had a teacher who once told us that while positive comments make us happy, negative ones stick. They break us down. There is absolutely no need to insult someone for something that they can't control. After all, if it doesn't affect you, why should you care, much less break someone down over it.

As a 13-year-old girl, I wish that there was something, anything, that I could do to help this situation. I've found that I have to change myself before I can try to change others, as well.

You see, this is why I embrace the holiday season. During this time of year, we enjoy the company of others. We love each other for who we are. If we love each other during the holidays, why can't we any other time of year? That one, my dear friends, only you can answer. Keep in mind that the biggest difference begins with the smallest change.

LAURYN TODD,

Lisbon

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SHS Athletic Hall of Fame

committee offers thanks

To the editor:

The Salem High School Athletic Hall of Fame recently held the induction ceremony for the Class of 2013 and honored five new members: Karl Zellers, James "Moe" Meissner, Michael Stapleton, David Tkatch, and Amanda Ciotti-Ott.

Also recognized was Mark Zocolo, this year's recipient of the "Spirit of Salem Award."

This award honors an individual who through hard work and effort has made a positive impact on the youth of Salem.

Many individuals and businesses were instrumental in helping to make the 2013 induction ceremony and the accompanying dinner successful.

The Hall of Fame Committee extends its deep appreciation and thanks to the following for their continued support:

Anyone wishing to nominate an individual, team, coach, or contributor for future consideration is encouraged to send the nomination with details either 1) by mail to the Salem High School Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 662, Salem, OH 44460 or 2) through the "Messaging" function on Facebook at Salem High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The deadline for 2014 nominations is January 30.

Salem High School

Athletic Hall of Fame Committee,

Salem

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Appreciative for help with

St. Paul Church's health fair

To the editor:

St. Paul Church's Hospitality and Greeters Ministry would like to thank all of its parishioners who baked cookies for the St. Paul Church's health fair which was a great success on Oct. 12. And Dave Plegge for setting up the tables.

I would like to thank Race Director Heather Bishop and the Humane Society of Columbiana County for having the Fast and Furriest 5K Walk/Run on Nov. 9. It was absolutely awesome to have the opportunity to run a race with my best running canine buddy Jackie, we had a blast and by the looks and sounds of it there were a lot of other people and their dogs having fun too.

I would also like to thank all the sponsors for their support, it's wonderful to see local business giving back to their community in such a positive way. Also my dog would especially like to thank the two little girls who were in the wind and cold making sure all the runners and their dogs had plenty of water to drink, may God bless them and all the other volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning for us so we could run a race with our dogs.